Human Trafficking Project

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human Trafficking is:

The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by the threat or use of kidnapping, force, fraud, deception or coercion, or by the giving or receiving of unlawful payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control of another person, and for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor.

Florida Statute 787.06 – The legislature finds that human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. Victims of human trafficking are young children, teenagers and adults. Many victims of human trafficking are made to engage in prostitution, pornography and endure physical and psychological abuse.

Worldwide, human trafficking is on the rise. Pursuant to the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking, “Florida has been identified as a hub for human trafficking activity, citing one of the highest incidents of human trafficking in the country,” affecting both foreign and domestic individuals.

Victims of human trafficking can be of any sex, race or age. Human trafficking can occur to anyone, anywhere and in any situation. However, according to the National Organization of Women, certain demographical trends have been observed. It is estimated that about 80% of the victims of human trafficking are female and up to half are minors. Trafficked women are typically under 25 years of age, with the majority being in their mid to late teens. For the most part, children tend to be trafficked within their own countries, while women aged 18 to 30 tend to be trafficked internationally, mostly for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation.

Navigating the Legal System

In addition to the numerous social service needs of victims of human trafficking, they are often faced with overwhelming legal issues. CABA Pro Bono has a specially trained staff attorney to represent victims and to address the wide array of legal needs they may have.